Scrap material shredding and compressing apparatus and system

ABSTRACT

A scrap material recycling apparatus includes a feeder, a shredder and a separator, the feeder and the shredder mutually coupled, and the shredder and separator mutually coupled. The feeder includes a means for compressing a quantity of scrap material and means for advancing the scrap material to the shredder. The shredder includes a grate assembly and a rotor, the rotor having a plurality of cutting means, the rotor mechanically rotated to reduce the scrap material. The separator separates the reduced scrap material by fractional composition. The recycling apparatus may be configured so as to be a transportable system, thereby allowing such system to be relocated at or near scrap material stockpile locations.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No.12/284,052, filed on Sep. 18, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,211.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to compressing and fragmentizingapparatuses utilized in converting scrap material into reusablematerial. In particular, the present invention relates to an improvedfragmentizing and compressing apparatus and system that compresses,shreds, separates, and discharges the converted scrap material, andwhich may provide that the apparatus(es) and/or system is mobile ortransportable from one location to another.

2. Description of the Related Art

Presently, the convergence of cost savings and environmental sensitivityhas generated a demand for apparatuses and systems that can moreeconomically recycle material previously recycled in other ways or werediscarded to a landfill. In particular, scrap material resulting fromthe use of metal, plastic, rubber, glass, ceramic, wood or othersimilarly used material, has emerged as a valuable commodity as a meansfor extracting optimal consumption from a particular quantity ofmaterial. In optimizing consumption throughout the production and usecycle, manufacturers and consumers alike may realize long-term costssavings in reducing the need for purchasing new or virgin replacementmaterials, reducing raw material costs and in minimizing waste disposalcosts. Additionally, the disposal of such materials may require specialefforts or permits compliant with environmental laws and/or regulations.A further optimization of the consumption cycle is realized in thereduction of transportation costs afforded by the invention and itscapability to be located at or near the scrap stock site, eliminating ahaulage step from the recycling process.

The aforementioned concerns are particularly acute with metal materials,including but not limited to steel, iron, copper, brass, nickel, andaluminum, which are becoming increasingly expensive to purchase andutilize in a manufacturing process. The utilization of the disclosedapparatus(es) and/or system provides a means for reducing excess scrapstock (at the manufacturer, consumer, and waste-disposal level) bycompressing and shredding the material into scrap feedstock that isfurther separable by size and/or composition, if desired. Of particularinterest, the invention may be arranged and housed in such a manner asto be mobile or transportable to a site possessing excessive amounts ofscrap material that might otherwise be more costly and/or difficult torecycle than what can be achieved by the apparatus(es) and systemdisclosed herein.

Thus far, the applicant is unaware of any apparatus, device, system ormethod which disclose the elements of the apparatus(es) and/or systemdisclosed herein. To date, the prior art discloses a variety ofapparatuses and systems that attempt to recycle scrap material in anefficient and convenient manner, including compression apparatus andshredding systems.

However, the present invention provides an improvement over thearrangement, operation and results of the prior art in this field ofendeavor. To those skilled in the art, it is well known that acompression apparatus is often coupled to a cutting apparatus (commonlyreferred as a shear) to reduce the compressed materials into a usablesize fraction for metals melting. A limitation of this art is thatcommingled materials, such as occur in obsolete (end-of-life) durablegoods, for example, automobiles, appliances, and the like, remaincommingled in a state requiring further, often costly, reduction toseparate the materials into acceptably pure fractions. Also well knownto those skilled in the art, shredders or pulverizers are used to reducecommingled materials to a size fraction that permits the separation ofthe commingled materials into acceptably pure fractions. A limitation ofthis art is that large scale obsolete materials require a shredder sizesufficient to receive the materials, such as, for example, an obsoleteautomobile. The shredder size required in such cases is limited to largescale, high throughput, permanently installed machinery, typicallylocated in metropolitan areas where collected material must be hauledsome distance to the operation. Such haulage of collected materialbecomes less profitable as fuel costs escalate. The economic scalepresented by this size requirement creates further limitations to costreductions through the larger operation and maintenance cost of thebusiness.

The invention disclosed herein overcomes the aforementioned limitationsby providing the means to shred or fragmentize said materials, such asobsolete automobiles, by first compressing the materials into a compactform that is then fed directly to a small size shredder which reducesthe compressed material to the desired size for later separation intodesirable fractions. This apparatus, because of its considerably smallersize, may be mounted on a mobile structure, such as a trailer, or on aroad-transportable skid such that the recycling process can be locatedwherever said recyclable materials may be stocked. In this manner, ahaulage step is eliminated from the recycling process and the scale ofoperational cost is reduced.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that readdirectly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the followingreferences were considered related:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,649, issued in the name of Koenig;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,686, issued in the name of Funk et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,573, issued in the name of Rouse et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,499, issued in the name of Strom;

U.S. Pat. No. 3,103,163, issued in the name of Gates;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,913, issued in the name of van der Beek et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,019, issued in the name of Newell et al.; and

U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,234, issued in the name of Del Zotto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a scrap material recyclingapparatus comprises a feeder, a shredder and a separator, the feeder andthe shredder mutually coupled, and the shredder and separator mutuallycoupled. The feeder comprises a means for compressing a quantity ofscrap material and means for advancing the scrap material to theshredder. The shredder comprises a rotor having a plurality of cuttingmeans, such as teeth, knives, or hammers, wherein the rotor mechanicallyrotates to reduce the scrap material. The separator sorts the reducedscrap material by fractional composition.

In accordance with the aforementioned embodiment, and other envisionedcombinations of embodiments, the compression means may comprise a pairof arms that are inwardly biased. The arms may comprise means foractuating movement of the arms between opened and closed positions,wherein actuating means may comprise mechanical cylinders, includinghydraulic, pneumatic or other types of cylinders, or other means foractuating arm motion. The arms or other compression means impart highcompressive force compressing the scrap material for transfer to theshredder.

In accordance with the aforementioned embodiment, and other envisionedcombinations of embodiments, advancing means may comprise a telescopingram cylinder, a toothed feed roll, or a conveyor, among severalpossibilities, for advancing the scrap material from the feeder to theshredder.

In accordance with the aforementioned embodiment, and other envisionedcombinations of embodiments, the shredder may comprise an inlet and anoutlet mutually opposed, the inlet receiving scrap material from thefeeder, and the outlet delivering scrap material to the separator. Theseparator may comprise an electromagnetic means, such as at least onemagnet or an eddy current device, a pneumatic means, such as an airclassifier, a fluid bed, or a destoner, or a mechanical means, such as asplitter chute, a roller screen, or a vibratory screen for separatingshredded materials into fractional compositions, such as ferrous,non-ferrous, and non-metallic materials.

In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a system for processingscrap material is disclosed, the system comprises a compressingapparatus compressing scrap material, a shredding apparatus having meansfor shredding the scrap material, means for advancing the scrap materialfrom the compressing apparatus to the shredding apparatus, a dischargeapparatus; means for separating shredded materials into fractionalcompositions in preparation for discharge of the scrap materials, andmeans for advancing the scrap material from the shredding apparatus tothe discharge apparatus.

In accordance with this and other envisioned embodiments andcombinations of embodiments, advancing means may comprise a telescopingram cylinder, a toothed feed roll or a conveyor.

In accordance with this and other envisioned embodiments andcombinations of embodiments, the separator may comprise at least onemagnet, an eddy current device, an air separator, a mechanicalseparator, or a combination of one or more of these elements, forseparating shredded materials into fractional compositions.

In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a system for processingscrap material is disclosed, the system comprises a power plant forproviding power to the system and the constituent elements, a feederapparatus compressing the scrap material for shredding, at least onemetal shredder, means for conveying the scrap material from the feederapparatus to the metal shredder, at least one discharge conveyor foradvancing the scrap material from the shredder to a separation area, andmeans for separating shredded materials into fractional compositions.

The system may further comprise at least one residue conveyor fornon-metallic residue, or at least one stacking conveyor, or at least onedust extraction means, separately or in combination within the disclosedsystem(s). The system may further comprise a plurality of controls foroperating the system, including separate operational controls for eachelement and each constituent sub-element of the disclosed elements.

The system may further comprise separating means comprising one or moreelectromagnetic devices, or a pneumatic separator, or a mechanicalseparator, or a combination of these elements.

It is envisioned that each of the embodiments disclosed, including theapparatus and/or system(s) may be placed on or formed as an integralunit of a transportable apparatus, such as a flat bed trailer or othersimilar device suitable for housing and transporting such an apparatusor system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following more detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus and system for shredding andcompressing scrap material;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the shredder of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the feeder and elements of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is top plan view of a toothed feed roll;

FIG. 5B is a partial side elevational view of the toothed feed roll ofFIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a metal track conveyor;

FIG. 6B is a partial side elevational view of the metal track conveyorof FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 a is a side elevational view of a rotor, in accordance to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 b is a top plan view of a plate of a rotor, in accordance to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 c is a section view of the shredder of illustrating a rotorhaving a series of plates axially aligned, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7 d is a top plan view of a rotor, in accordance to an alternateembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 a is a plan view of the apparatus and system illustrating a pairof flywheels, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 b is a top plan view of a flywheel, in accordance to an alternateembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 c is a side elevational view of the flywheel of FIG. 8 b shownin-use;

FIG. 9 a is a side section view of a grate assembly illustrating aseries of grate brackets thereof, in accordance to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 b is a side section view of the grate assembly of FIG. 9 ashowing a plurality of grate bars detachably mounted insidecorresponding grate brackets, in accordance to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9 c-9 d are side elevational views depicting grate bars;

FIG. 9 e illustrates an alternate grate assembly embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a side section view of a plurality of fingers disposed withinfinger receiving cavities of the feeder, in accordance to one embodimentof the present invention; and

FIGS. 11 a-11 b are side elevational views of a fixed or openable floorof the feeder, in accordance to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Detailed Description of theFigures

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6B, an apparatus for shreddingand/or compressing scrap material into a recyclable and reusablefeedstock source that may be utilized as a separate device or incombination with a larger system for reducing scrap material M isdisclosed. As disclosed, the apparatus 10 generally comprises a feeder12, a shredder 14 and a separator 16. The feeder 12 and the shredder 14are mutually coupled to one another, and the shredder 14 and theseparator 16 are mutually coupled to one another. The feeder 12 providesa collection point for the various materials M to be recycled, andfurther provides compression of the material into a size suitable to befed into the shredder 14. The compressed scrap material M advances fromthe feeder 12 to the shredder 14, which shreds and/or grinds thematerial M into smaller portions. The reduced material M then advancesfrom the shredder 14 to the separator 16, which separates the material Minto its fractional composition(s) for collection or categorizing.

Generally, the feeder 12 advances the scrap material M into the shredder14 for reduction via a mechanism such as a telescoping ram cylinder 12 a(shown as the preferred embodiment), a toothed feed roll (13 a), ormetal track conveyor (13 b). The feeder 12 further includes acompressing means for compressing a quantity of scrap material M, thecompressing means compresses bidirectionally. The compressing meanscomprises a plurality of arms, which are further divided into pairs ofarms 12 b and 12 c, each arm hydraulically actuated to accommodate theparticular desired dimension of the material M inserted into the feeder.The arms 12 b and 12 c may be opened or closed through actuation, and inthe “open” position, the arms 12 b and 12 c serve as the collectionpoint for the materials to be compressed and then shredded. As depictedin FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the arms 12 b and 12 c are inwardly biased so asto create a desired shape and dimension of material after compression.Further, the arms 12 b and 12 c are actuated, preferably by hydrauliccylinders, but may be actuated by other motive means, so as to providehigh compressive force that compacts the collected material into thedesired shape and dimension. After compression, the arms 12 b and 12 cremain in a “closed” position to generally conform to the shape anddimension of the material M, providing stability and resistance againstthe material M as it advances to the shredder 14.

Compression of materials M allows achievement of a greater efficiency ofscale in that a smaller shredder may be used to achieve a cuttingintensity equal to larger machines and lower machinery and operatingcosts are realized.

As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the shredder 14 has an inlet 14 a andan outlet 14 b, and a rotor 14 c with a plurality of hammers 14 d orteeth intermediately disposed between the inlet 14 a and outlet 14 b,wherein hammers 14 d being free to swing with respect to the rotor 14 c.The rotor 14 c is mechanically rotated so that the hammers 14 d engagethe material M and shred or grind the material M into smaller and moremanageable portions for discharge to the separator 16. The rotor 14 cdefines a diameter having a greater measure than a width of rotor 14 c,thereby allowing for a higher cutting force. In addition, the rotor 14 chaving a width with a smaller measure than its diameter reduces costenergy usage, but requires the use of a compression feature.

The separator 16 may comprise a variety of devices and techniques forseparating the reduced material M, including but not limited to the useof an electromagnetic means, such as at least one magnet or an eddycurrent device, a pneumatic means, such as an air classifier, a fluidbed, or a destoner, and/or a mechanical means, such as a splitter chute,a roller screen, a vibratory screen, a ferrous stacking conveyor, or amixed nonferrous collection means. Particularly with the use ofmagnet(s) separators or eddy current separators, the fractionalcompositions produced usually result in a clean ferrous (iron/steel)fraction of approximately 80%, a mixed non-ferrous metal fraction ofapproximately 5%, and a mixed non-metallic fraction comprising theremainder of the quantity fraction. One feature and advantage providedby the apparatus 10 is to generate a more pure reduced material M thatpermits an end-user consumer (manufacturer) to utilize the reducedmaterial M that has fewer impurities than similar reduced material Mgenerated by existing and less satisfactory reduction methods. Theapparatus 10 provides the separation means in a compact transportablefashion matched in capacity to the upstream compression and shreddingapparatus. In this manner, the ability to shred and separate, forexample an obsolete automobile is now provided in a compact system withlower operation and maintenance costs than the state of the art, whichis limited by aforementioned feeding size requirements to large-scalepermanently installed operations.

As previously disclosed, another feature and advantage to the apparatusand system is the adaptability of the apparatus and system forconfiguration onto a mobile or transportable unit 20. It is envisionedthat such a unit or units may comprise any of a variety of multi-axlesemi-trailer hauled beds, including a flatbed, an extendable flatbed, adrop deck and double drop deck (extendable), a low boy, a tank trailer,a dolly trailer, a trunnion axle trailer, a platform trailer, and a9-axle, 13-axle, or a 19-axle trailer, and other similarly suitablehauling trailers capable of supporting such an apparatus or systemcombination as described above.

A system for shredding and compressing scrap material M is envisioned,the system comprising at least a shredding (hammer-mill) apparatus, acompressing apparatus, and a discharge apparatus consistent with theelements disclosed above with regard to the apparatus, with the systemwholly or partially mounted to one of the mobile or transportable unitsdescribed above. The system may be more particularly described ascomprising an engine driven power plant, including a motor or hydraulicdrive, a feed system, at least one metal shredder, at least onedischarge conveyor, at least one residue conveyor, at least one stackingconveyor, a magnet separator system, dust extraction means, and aplurality of controls for operating the system. The power plant isoperatively coupled to the elements of the system requiring directpowered input for operation. The feed system is substantially similar tothe feeder described above, with variations envisioned to accommodatesize requirements or restraints. Once the material M has been reduced bythe metal shredder, a discharge conveyor may transport the material Mfrom the shredder to the separator, wherein, for example, a magnetand/or air separator separates the material into various fractions. Theresidue conveyor will transport the fractions to various stations asprovided in the particular configuration (set up to accommodate thespecific material(s) reduced).

Further separation means may be used on the residue stream, includingbut not limited to eddy-current separation, air separation, or othermeans as may be warranted by the materials being processed. One or morestacking conveyors are engaged thereafter to stack the material M asdesired. Alternatively, separators may discharge directly into receivingmeans, such as hoppers, bins, and the like. A dust extraction means isincorporated into the system to eliminate any excessive dust generatedin the reduction of the material M, and may be incorporated at one ofseveral points in the process utilized within the system, and mayfurther include multiple dust extraction means if the reduction isparticularly prone to multiple areas of excessive dust generation. Aplurality of controls may be provided to extend control over variouselements of the system and over various phases of the process usedwithin the system.

By way of example only, there are at least two envisioned embodimentsencompassing the mobility or transportability of the system describedabove, with special interest in the area of pulverizing automobilematerial, such as in a junkyard. For the sake of labeling only, the atleast two embodiments are labeled as a “mobile system” and a “portablesystem”, though other suitable labels may be used and substitutedwithout limitation to the scope of the invention or the claims.

In a “mobile system”, it is envisioned that the mobile system would becapable of shredding/grinding/pulverizing approximately 6-10 automobilesper hours, or approximately 80-100 tons of material per day. In oneembodiment of the mobile system, a reliable diesel engine power unit isprovided to power aspects of the system. The mobile system is intendedto provide mobility via the various trailers described above, with arelatively simple set-up for use, and configured to avoid the need forspecial transportation permits on the highways or other roads.

Alternately, in a “portable system”, it is envisioned that the portablesystem would be capable of shredding/grinding/pulverizing approximately20 automobiles per hour, or approximately 200 tons of material per day.The system may be operated with an engine or electric motor driven powerunit. A skid mounted platform may be utilized, while providing thetransportability desired, although special transportation permits may berequired for moving from one location to another, due to the system'sweight and size.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 a-7 c, in accordance to one preferredembodiment, an improved rotor 114 having a plurality of cutting means130, such as teeth, knives, or hammers 132, is disclosed. Rotor 114comprises a series of plates 115 axially joined spatially along a shaft120, the shaft 120 providing common rotation and support for the seriesof plates 115. More specifically, the series of plates 115 each having acentralized shaft receiving hole 116 through which the shaft 120 isreceived and mounted. The series of plates 115 each define a square,planar configuration and are spatially aligned in parallel orientationwith respect to one another, as illustrated in FIG. 7 a. Thesquare-shaped configuration defining the plates 115 imparts functionalutility and advantages over conventional round rotors. Particularly,during rotation of the rotor 114, a space S or pocket opens between therotor perimeter P and the shredder casing 14 e after each successivecutting means 130 swing, thereby providing a retaining space fordifficult or unshreddable items to travel within until further shreddingor removal can be effected. The space S advantage provided by the rotor114 design of the apparatus 10 of the present invention obviates theneed for unshreddable material egress doors (not shown) required byprior art compression apparatus and shredding systems.

The square-shaped configuration defining the plates 115 also providesadvantages over spider rotors (not shown). Spider rotors comprise aseries of parallel bars or splines arranged along a shaft in alternatingperpendicular positions. An advantage provided by the rotor 114 of thepresent invention over spider rotors is the square-shaped configurationof the rotor's 114 plates 115 intrinsically possesses greater materialstrength than a material strength possessed by spider rotors, therebyaffording rotor 114 with enhanced resistance to bending, impact, torqueand other stresses created by the mechanical operation of the apparatus10 of the present invention.

Each corner 117 a-117 d of each plate 115 of the series of plates 115includes a hole 118 a-118 d, respectively, defined therethrough, theholes 118 a-118 d adapted for supporting a pin 119 therethrough. The pin119 engages at least two plates 115 to provide cutting means 130 swingpositions or rows, the pin 119 securing the cutting means 130 to theplates 115, and wherein cutting means 130, shown herein as hammers 132,being free to swing with respect to the rotor 114.

As shown in FIG. 7 a, being spatially aligned in parallel orientation,the series of plates 115 provide four cutting means 130 swing positionsor rows, the number of rows being equal to the number of holes 118 a-118d viewable when viewing rotor 114 from one end thereof. One or more ofthe holes 118 a-118 d may be utilized for supporting hammers 132,wherein the number of holes 118 a-118 d or rows selected by user beingdependent upon the material M being fragmented, and other operationalcharacteristics, such as cutting size, rotor speed, and the like.

In reference to FIG. 7 d, in accordance to an alternate rotor 114 aembodiment, rotor 114 a comprises a series of plates 115 a axiallyjoined spatially along a shaft 120, the shaft 120 providing commonrotation and support for the series of plates 115 a. The series ofplates 115 a each define a square, planar configuration and arespatially aligned and oriented such that every other plate 115 a ispositioned approximately 45° with respect to plate(s) 115 a adjacentthereto. In this arrangement, the series of plates 115 a provide eightcutting means 130 swing positions or rows, when viewing rotor 114 a fromone end thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 7 d. The design andconfiguration of rotor 114 a allows for the number of cutting means 130swing rows to increase to eight, thereby allowing for a greater numberof cutting means 130 or hammers 132 to be supported by the rotor 114 a,and in turn, facilitating fragmentation of less resilient materials M toa finer cut size.

In addition, rotors 114 and 114 a may be constructed at lower cost thanconventional round rotors, or rotors employing round plates or bars.Thus, rotors 114 and 114 a provide a more cost-efficient use ofconstruction material to accomplish the mutual goal of shredding andcompressing scrap material M.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 a-8 b, in order to add rotational inertia tothe shredder 14 for purposes of minimizing rotational speed fluctuationsduring operation thereof, at least one flywheel 140 is provided. Inparticular reference to FIG. 8 a, two flywheels 140, 142 are provided,wherein the flywheels 140, 142 are mounted to respective ends of shaft120. The two flywheels 140, 142 are engaged by two correspondingpneumatic, rubber wheels 146, 148 or tires, respectively. The wheels146, 148 are rotatably driven by a drive train 150 comprising adifferential 152 having opposing drive shafts 154, 156, wherein eachshaft 154, 156 of the opposing drive shafts 154, 156, independentlydrives one of the rubber wheels 146, 148. The differential 152 is drivenor powered via a power source 180, such as an engine 182, a tractorpower take-off shaft (PTO) (not shown), and the like. The wheels 146,148 are configured and positioned so as to impart sufficient contactforce with the flywheels 140, 142, thereby ensuring suitable powertransmission from wheels 146, 148 to flywheels 140, 142. The flywheels140, 142 and the rubber wheels 146, 148 define a diameter sufficient toprovide clearance of the shredder housing.

Power applied to each end of the rotor 114, 114 a balances the torquetherein, and provides a friction drive mechanism which can act as a slipjoint should a catastrophic event cause the rotor 114, 114 a of shredder14 to immediately stop rotation. Such advantages help protect the drivetrain 150 in the event of stoppage or excessive torque events;otherwise, such excessive torque would transfer to the drive train 150and cause further damage.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 8 b-8 c, a flywheel 160 ismounted to one end of the shaft 120. The flywheel 160 comprises a largediameter cylinder 162 comprising a circular floor 163 from which asidewall 164 extends upwardly therefrom forming a circular verticalperimeter 165 therearound. The flywheel 160 further comprises apneumatic drive wheel 166 positioned centrally to perimeter 165, thewheel 166 extending through an opening in floor 163 and being mountedvia a connecting shaft 168 to one end of the shaft 120 of rotor 114, 114a, the pneumatic drive wheel 166 being inflatable. The pneumatic drivewheel 166 is rotatably driven by a drive shaft 169, wherein drive shaft169 is driven or powered via a power source 180, such as an engine 182,a PTO, and the like. An interior volume 167 is provided between an innercircumferential surface 165 a of perimeter 165 and the pneumatic drivewheel 166.

A series of friction drive wheels 170, 172, 174, preferably at leastthree friction drive wheels 170, 172, 174, are disposed spatiallyequidistant about the pneumatic drive wheel 166, within the interiorvolume 167. The friction drive wheels 170, 172, 174 are disposed so asto allow contact with the inner circumferential surface 165 a. Thefriction drive wheels 170, 172, and 174 each being independentlysupported by and rotatable about a respective semi-flexible base 170 a,172 a, and 174 a. Upon being inflated, the pneumatic drive wheel 166engages the friction drive wheels 170, 172, 174 and urges wheels 170,172, 174 radially against the inner circumferential surface 165 a of theperimeter 165 of cylinder 162. As the pneumatic drive wheel 166 rotates,the friction drive wheels 170, 172, 174 counter-rotate (rotate in anopposite direction with respect to pneumatic wheel 166), thereby causingthe flywheel 160 to rotate, and in turn, causing rotor 114, 114 a torotate. Typically, the diameters of the friction drive wheels 170, 172,174 may be designed to provide a speed reduction from the motive source180, 182 to the rotor 114, 114 a similar to planetary gear reducers.This arrangement has the advantage of being more compact than theabove-described two flywheels 140, 142 embodiment, although more complexto construct. In addition, this arrangement allows for the main axes ofrotation to be parallel to the rotor 114, 114 a of shredder 14 whichovercomes and resolves the shaft bending component which is inherentwhen driving a shaft by friction means from the side or from a lateralorientation. As opposed to a typical gear reducer, the transmission ofpower, in accordance to the embodiments of the present inventiondescribed hereinabove, occurs through friction contact surfaces, whichallow slippage should the design torque be overcome.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 a-9 d, the shredder 14 further comprises agrate assembly 240, wherein grate assembly 240 comprising at least onegrate bracket 242 or cartridge, preferably a plurality of grate brackets242 or cartridges, mounted to an interior sidewall 14 ee of shreddercasing 14 e. At least one grate bar 244 is engaged within and detachablyaffixed to the at least one grate bracket 242. As shown herein, aplurality of grate brackets 242 is arranged in series,juxtapositionally, and radially with respect to rotor 14 c, 114, or 114a. The grate brackets 242 may be disposed at any position radially aboutof rotor 14 c, 114, or 114 a, and hence grate bars 244 may be detachablymounted radially about the rotor 14 c, 114, or 114 a accordingly. Inaccordance to this particular embodiment, the grate bar(s) 244 is/areslidably engaged laterally into the bracket(s) 242. In FIG. 9 b, aplurality of grate bars 244 are shown detachably mounted insidecorresponding grate brackets 242. The grate bars 244 may be constructedin various lengths and widths to correspond with respective gratebrackets 242 sizes and dimensions, and may be further constructed withvarious rib 246 designs and voids 248, through which fragmentizedmaterial may pass, so as to allow scrap material M to be fragmentizedaccording to size and preference. Thus, grate bars 244 are envisioned tobe constructed in a number of designs, all of which intended to beinterchangeable with brackets 242. FIGS. 9 c and 9 d illustrate gratebars 244 differing in shape and configuration with respect to oneanother.

Referring now to FIG. 9 e, an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention is disclosed, wherein grate assembly 240 a, comprising atleast one grate bracket 242 a or cartridge, preferably a plurality ofgrate brackets 242 a or cartridges, mounted longitudinally to aninterior sidewall 14 ee of shredder casing 14 e. The at least one gratebracket 242 dimensionally extends longitudinally and laterally. At leastone grate bar 244 a is engaged within and detachably affixed to the atleast one grate bracket 242 a. A plurality of grate brackets 242 a maybe provided and arranged in series, juxtapositionally, and appositionalwith respect to rotor 14 c, 114, or 114 a. In accordance to thisembodiment, the grate bar(s) 244 a is/are slidably engaged verticallyinto the bracket(s) 242 through an opening 252 in a top 250 of theshredder housing 14 aa. Opening 252 may be provided through the openingof a hinged door or slidable panel.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in order to decrease the advance rate of scrapmaterial M from feeder 12 to shredder 14, a plurality of fingers 220 aredisposed within finger receiving cavities 222 formed in the sidewalls215 of the compression chamber 214 of feeder 12, proximal the shredderopening 14 f. The fingers 220 are adapted and configured to extend fromtheir respective cavities 222 to frictionally engage scrap material M,thereby providing a holding means for checking the advance of thematerial M into the shredder opening 14 f. The fingers 220 are furtheradapted and configured to retract into their respective cavities 222.Extension and retraction of fingers 220 may be actuated via hydraulicsor other suitable mechanical means, wherein selected actuation meansbeing manually or automatically controlled via an operator.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 11 a-11 b, an improved feeder212 is disclosed, wherein feeder 212 comprises a compression chamber 214housing a compressing means for compressing a quantity of scrap materialM. The compressing means comprises a plurality of arms, which arefurther divided into pairs of arms 12 b and 12 c, each arm hydraulicallyactuated to accommodate the particular desired dimension of the materialM inserted into the feeder 12. The compressing means compresses thescrap material M bidirectionally (vertical and horizontal). Thecompression chamber 214 includes a fixed or openable floor 216positioned below the compressing means, and further includes a feedchamber 218 positioned subjacent to floor 216. In accordance to anembodiment comprising an openable floor 216, once the material M hasbeen compressed via compressing means, the openable floor 216 opensallowing compressed scrap material M to drop and be retained within thefeed chamber 218, whereupon openable floor 216 moves to a closedposition. Operational control concerning the opening and closing ofopenable floor 216 may be manual or automated, and actuated viahydraulics or other suitable mechanical means. Movement of door 216between an open and closed position is shown herein as lateral movement,however, other directional orientations are envisioned, therefore,movement of door 216 as shown and described herein is not intended to belimiting. It is envisioned the openable door 216 may also beoperationally controlled and actuated wirelessly via wirelesstransmitter and receiver (not shown).

It is envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately disclosed,are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements of oneembodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the otherembodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements maynecessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to accommodateperformance requirements or spatial considerations.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limitedin its application to the details of construction and arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings.Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of theembodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specificembodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are furthercapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purposes of description andshould not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception upon which the application and claims are based may bereadily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods,and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments andclaims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, thatthe claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especiallyincluding the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patentand legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursoryinspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of theapplication. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims ofthe application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of theclaims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by theclaims appended hereto.

1. A scrap material recycling apparatus comprising: a feeder; and a shredder, the feeder and the shredder mutually coupled; the feeder comprising a compressing means for compressing a quantity of scrap material to a size adapted for being received by an inlet of the shredder, wherein the feeder further comprises a plurality of fingers; the shredder comprising a rotor having a plurality of cutting means, the rotor mechanically rotated to reduce the scrap material, and wherein the rotor comprises a series of plates axially joined spatially along a shaft, the series of plates each defining a square, planar configuration and the plates are spatially aligned in parallel orientation and such that alternating plates of the series of plates are oriented approximately 45° with respect to plates adjacent thereto.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the feeder further comprises a fixed or openable floor positioned below the compressing means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a separator, the separator and the shredder mutually coupled.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressing means compresses bidirectionally.
 5. A scrap material recycling apparatus comprising: a feeder; and a shredder, the feeder and the shredder mutually coupled; the feeder comprising a compressing means for compressing a quantity of scrap material to a size adapted for being received by an inlet of the shredder, wherein the feeder further comprises a plurality of fingers, wherein the plurality of fingers is disposed within respective finger receiving cavities formed in a sidewalls of a compression chamber of the feeder; the shredder comprising a rotor having a plurality of cutting means, the rotor mechanically rotated to reduce the scrap material, and wherein the rotor comprises a series of plates axially joined spatially along a shaft, the series of plates each defining a square, planar configuration and the plates are spatially aligned in parallel orientation and such that alternating plates of the series of plates are oriented approximately 45° with respect to plates adjacent thereto.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of fingers each extendible from the respective finger receiving cavities to frictionally engage the scrap material, and wherein the plurality of fingers each retractable into the respective finger receiving cavities. 